Clemson, S.C. — Alice Hewson shot a one-over par 73 to lead Clemson to a 17-over par 305 team score in the opening round of the Evans Derby Experience at the Saugahatchee Country Club in Opelika, Alabama. Clemson is tied for 13th in the 14-team field but is just 15 shots out of third after the first of three rounds on the par 72 course.
The eighth-ranked Razorbacks has the team lead at three-under par 285. Seventh-ranked Florida is in second, shooting an even par 288 and they are led by Ciara Manzalini, the individual leader who shot an impressive four-under par 68. The tournament is one of the top national fields in the country this spring and features nine top-20 teams and 37 of the top-100 players in the nation.
Hewson is the top Tiger with her one-over par 73. She had 15 pars and two bogeys on the 6,250 yard course. The Clemson senior is playing in her 40th tournament, and completed her 115th round on Saturday.
Ivy Shepherd shot a four-over par 76, that included two birdies. Ana Paula Valdes and Gracyn Burgess both had rounds of 78. Alexandra Swayne had an eight-over par 80 in her 21st round of the year.
Play continues on Sunday morning. Live scoring is available at golfstat.com.
